What’s It Like To Live In Korea? Launched in 1924, Jinro is the country’s best-selling soju brand — and the world’s top-selling spirit. Dubbed the Korean vodka, soju is Korea’s most popular alcohol—and in 2017, the world’s best-selling liquor.With the average South Korean consuming 13.7 shots of alcohol weekly, the highest rate in the world, soju consistently dominates liquor sales.The brand Jinro, in particular, (you’ve probably seen the iconic green bottle) has been topping the list yearly for almost two decades. Parched for knowledge? This “blueberry” is clearly having some sort of identity crisis because it tastes overwhelmingly of grape, a popular flavour in Korea and seemingly nowhere else. 1/$1.50) and super fun to try while you’re here. Soju drinkers had gotten used to their cheaper spirit, though, so soju producers began incorporating rice back into their recipes, but kept stand-in ingredients like sweet potato in, too. I ventured out to buy as many varieties I could find – there were 8 in total – and got some friends together to carry out a very scientific and not at all tipsy taste test. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 2) Grapefruit. After debuting grapefruit, green grape and strawberry flavors, Hite Jinro presented Jinro Iciou, the fourth installment of its fruit-flavored soju products. But, if you’re ever looking for a refreshing, fruity drink (and don’t want to get smashed), then this is the one for you. Although, it does get worse the more you drink it. The gift ... Fruit-flavored soju is becoming popular among women. Jinro Strawberry Soju is a neutral spirit with natural and artificial flavors. It’s drinkable but only in small quantities. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Grapefruit soju captured in its natural habitat: 7/11 Before I came to Korea, grapefruit was recommended... 3) Orange. Soju (and drinking in general) is a huge part of Korean culture. In the United States, soju still struggles to gain the recognition it deserves, and indeed, most Americans have probably only encountered it at said Korean barbecue restaurants. Jinro publishes cocktail recipes on its website, which range from the simple, like the Jinro Soju Sunrise (2 ounces Jinro Soju, 4 ounces pineapple juice), to the complicated, like the Jinro Summer Vay K (2 ounces Jinro Soju, ½ ounce sweetened condensed milk mixed with ½ ounce whole milk, ½ ounce passion fruit puree, ½ ounce fresh lime juice). (Depending on the source, this ban was either instituted in 1965 during a rice blight, in the 1950s during the Korean War, or in 1910 when Japan annexed Korea.). ), In 2013, Ryu Hyun Jin became the first South Korean baseball player to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Jinro became the first soju brand sold at Dodgers Stadium. The best and worst of all the soju flavours (that Homeplus had to offer.) According to International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR), which annually ranks the world’s largest spirits brands by volume, Jinro is the most popular alcoholic beverage on the planet. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. “When we go out to drink and have fun, soju’s always been there.”. Jinro Strawberry Soju provides the sweet taste of ripened strawberry in each sip while maintaining its light and refreshing experience. Sorry, I am going to have to vote cherry blossom soju as number one. Brief Description. Most liquor fans like to compare soju to vodka because both spirits are neutral-tasting, but soju has a much less harsh aftertaste because of the lower alcohol content. Let me just get into my connoisseur mode… the overwhelming aromas of pomegranate soju are soap, artificial sweeteners and Starburst. When you open this bottle, you are hit with a delicious fruity smell that might fool you into chugging the whole thing. In K-Dramas, as in life, soju plays a prominent role. Here is a definitive ranking of all the soju varieties I could get my hands on, from worst to best. Most soju is not comparable to a good wine or a craft beer. According to Daniel Gray, director of Seoul-based food tour company Delectable Travels, visitors often mimic soap opera characters’ drinking habits, “imitating art and doing it in real life,” Gray told VinePair in 2016. in Singapore,Singapore. 1. The original. Now, a mix of starches is the new normal. His 2014 absurdist ballad to drinking, Hangover, features Snoop Dogg — and plenty of soju. Yuja (Tangerine) Yuja flavor is the first fruit flavored soju that leads to this fruit flavored soju wave. Soju is strong (about 13%), incredibly cheap (a bottle costs about. It is sweet and you can barely tell it has alcohol. This grapefruit flavored soju is very fruity and smooth, making it one of the most popular flavors among flavored sojus. Regardless of my energy levels, Chum Churum – Apple took the iron throne as the dry, sometimes harsh alcohol … The Aisher soju marks the fourth in the liquor maker’s fruity flavored soju series, following grapefruit, green grape and plum favors. From nose to finish, a soju will infuse you with freshness, silky softness and a flavorful finish. Without a doubt, it’s up there with the best soju flavours. Much like vodka, soju is made today in a variety of flavors. After sales service. :p This tongue twister of a drink is … It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I’ll keep an eye out for it so I can try it for myself . Basically no – it’s only 5%. Sweet green grape meets morning dew for the best flavor fruit juice in soju is becoming more popular and jinro green grape has unique green grape flavor and taste that everyone can enjoy. Unlike vodka, soju has a natural hint of botanicals that can make for a smoother taste as opposed to vodka, which can sometimes come off as harsh at the end. Somehow, it tastes better than the confused blueberry, though still a lot like grape. Loves city breaks, adventurous trips to distant lands, and writing all about them. If you get, say, a good Hefeweizen, you can taste it by itself and appreciate the depth of flavor, the color, the aroma, and so on. A very enjoyable drink for any occasions. I have been on a massive sugar rush lately as each flavored soju packs a ton of sweetness. As such, it is not an exaggeration to say that Jinro Soju has played a pivotal role in establishing and evolving Korea’s drinking culture. View all products by Jinro California Residents: Click here for Proposition 65 WARNING The Koreans clearly like this one too. Its vaguely sweet, milky flavor makes drinking an entire bottle easy. Jinro soju, served in an iconic green bottle, regularly tops lists of the world’s bestselling alcohol brands. Jinro Grapefruit Soju is a neutral spirit with natural and artificial flavors. The song famously became the first video to reach 1 billion views on YouTube. Jinro Chamisul Classic Soju is the flagship label produced since 1924. It produces a raspberry wine (Jinro Bok Bun Ja), a plum wine (Jinro Mae Hwa Soo), and a rice wine (Jinro Makguli). Another offering is its 3-percent-ABV, peach-flavored bubbly drink called Jinro TokTok Peach. Please contact seller or manufacturer service center. It’s sharp. Jamie: “A classic: the best flavour you can find anywhere.”. Cojinganmek. Some even say Jinro is the cause of Korea’s well-documented, hard-drinking culture. Material. Soju is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the world, and its popularity in Korea is unlike anything I’ve seen before. The classic. Qoo10 - Bringing the best to you. Sweet green grape meets morning dew for the best flavor. It still has a strong flavor and high alcohol content, but the pleasant mix of Korean flavors and the smooth brew make for a great addition to your next meal. The clear, colorless appearance of Jinro Soju may be similar to vodka, but the nose, flavor, feel and finish are considerably more complex, giving it unlimited potential for creating unique and exciting cocktails. What a drink. It's clear, rustic, and a bit blunt. Soju is essential to any South Korean outing, so much so that Jinro’s small, 350-milliliter green bottle is synonymous with the soju category. Available only for the export market, Jinro Plum Soju is the newest flavored soju that is released. (FYI, Psy was no one-hit wonder. It appeals primarily to younger drinkers and can taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes. It’s strong. Flavored soju can be found in apple, blueberry, citrus, grape, grapefruit, peach, pineapple, and … SOJU mixed flavor!! It is also pretty lethal stuff which famously gives you an awful hangover. Jinro also has a flavored soju lineup, including Jinro Chamisul Grapefruit, Jinro Green Grape, and Jinro Plum. It’s good, but it’s strong. Strawberry, grapefruit, green grape, plum! Three brands of Korean spirit, soju, Jinro, Chum Churum and Good Day, feature in the top 10 in this year’s IWSR Real 100. International Wines & Spirits Research reports that Hite-Jinro’s namesake soju brand Jinro remains the number one spirits brand in the world, with consumption increasing by an additional 425,000 cases in 2015 and total volumes surpassing 65m cases. Choose any flavor.. 【Jinro Korean Soju】【14 Flavours for selection】【7 Bottles Bundle】【 Free Delivery】. : “Unlike other sojus, you actually feel like you’re drinking alcohol.”, : “It tastes like your Nan’s bubble bath.”, Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window). Easy to drink with an alcohol content of 13% it has such a clean and fresh flavor that will capture your heart. Since it's launch in 1924 Jinro has consistently held its position as the number one soju brand in Korea. I can’t fault it. A lot of... 2. “A little green bottle, shot glasses around,” Max Soh, general manager and beverage director of New York’s Oiji, said in a 2015 interview. In 2012, parent company HiteJinro partnered with the L.A. Dodgers to offer the stadium’s “first Korean and Asian beer.”, Jinro Soju is made using rice, barley, and tapioca. Jinro is best known for its soju, but it also produces other boozy beverages. It appeals primarily to younger drinkers and can taste like spiked fruit juice, even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes. This is the first time I ever tried peach soju as I’ve never actually seen it in a regular convenience store. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. After 10 hours of research, testing, and perusing the many liquor stores and online vendors available, we can conclude that Chum Churum’s Apple soju is the best flavored soju you can buy in the U.S. today. South Korean singer of the 2012 monster hit “Gangnam Style,” Psy, became a Jinro Chamisul spokesperson in 2013. Non-flavoured soju has been the big player in the Korean market all these years, probably it’s because of its cheap price as well as it can be easily found in all around the nation. It is also not only lower in calorie than vodka, but it is also lower in proof. It sells more soju than the second- and third-place soju brands combined, and has held the top position since 2002. Hardly a dream combo, but for a soju, pomegranate isn’t too bad. What Our Customers Say I’m Charlie – a former English teacher in Jeonju, Korea and eager globetrotter with all too much to say about my experiences around the world! Soju is the spirit of choice in South Korea, and no brand is more popular than Jinro. Soju is considered to be Korea's most popular alcoholic drink. This is the best soju flavour, for sure. Jinro 24, a 24-percent-ABV version of the spirit, is ideal for mixing in cocktails. that are bound to match everyone's taste. Tropical “soju” tastes like a summer’s day. (There’s also a Jinro Light in the Philippines, according to Drink Manila.). Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Jamie: “It tastes like your Nan’s bubble bath.”. Despite being just as strong as regular soju, the alcoholic taste is minimal. Soju is strong (about 13%), incredibly cheap (a bottle costs about £1/$1.50) and super fun to try while you’re here. Jinro Grapefruit Soju is infused with a vibrant grapefruit flavor, a refreshing twist on a classic drink that's pleasing to the taste. 1bottle $10 3bottles $27, $9/ bottle 6bottles $51, $8.50/bottle 12bottles Chat to Buy Thankfully, there are a variety of different flavours to try too – some of which taste better than others. Grapefruit JINRO GREEN GRAPE has unique green grape flavor and taste that everyone can enjoy. Thankfully, there are a variety of different flavours to try too – some of which taste better than others. Jinro also has a flavored soju lineup, including Jinro Chamisul Grapefruit, Jinro Green Grape, and Jinro Plum. It can also be mixed in cocktails as a substitute for vodka or gin. Jinro and some other producers switched up their style when the Korean government banned rice for soju production. # TheRealTaste # jinro # soju # chamisul # drinks # TheRealSoju Different from regular sojus, this is a flavored brand that incorporates all sorts of nice tastes such as cinnamon, pear, ginger, and honey. Jinro Chamisul Fresh Soju is a slightly lower-ABV version filtered through charcoal made from Korean bamboo. Traditionally, Koreans drink their favorite liquor with a meal, but American bartenders love to mix it instead of vodka in cocktails. But there’s a reason it’s so popular with Koreans and foreigners alike. This is the first time I ever tried peach soju as I’ve never actually seen it in a regular convenience store. Buy JINRO Korean SOJU! Enter your email to be the first to receive brand new posts! Here are eight more things you should know about Jinro Soju. Penicillin. Jinro Grapefruit Fruit soju has a distinct fruit flavor and lower alcohol content compared to standard soju. A Definitive Ranking Of Soju Flavours 1) Peach. It’s all about embracing the local culture, right? Natalie: “Unlike other sojus, you actually feel like you’re drinking alcohol.”. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Ilpoom Jinro soju is a 10-year-old soju aged in oak and refined from pure rice. JINRO MAE HWA SOO is processed in a special freeze-filtration system to create a cleaner taste, a subtle sweetness and light plum flavor. Love this!! Wow. I ventured out to buy as many varieties I could find – there were 8 in total – and got some friends together to carry out a very scientific and not at all tipsy taste test. When the right flavors collide, something wonderful happens. Back to the grown-up drinks. “In a fun way, it’s kind of a dangerous alcohol,” says Max Soh, general manager and beverage director of New York’s intimate and chic Korean restaurant Oiji. It produces a raspberry wine (Jinro Bok Bun Ja), … The ban was lifted in 1999. Popular alcoholic beverage in the world, and writing all about embracing the local culture, right a... Comes in a regular convenience store – often as the number one soju brand Korea! Bottle easy have been on a classic drink that 's pleasing to the satirical star s only %... It says on the tin, I can try it for myself only lower in proof you into chugging whole. Switched up their Style when the right flavors collide, something wonderful happens presented Jinro Iciou, ” Psy became... Other sojus, you are hit with a vibrant grapefruit flavor, a mix of is... Embracing the local culture, right Jinro also has a distinct fruit flavor and that! Filtered through charcoal made from Korean bamboo of sweetness sojus, you to... It sells more soju than the second- and third-place soju brands combined, and writing all embracing... And Jinro Plum the flavour is sweet and appealing, but lethal navigate through the website to function properly being! And now I know why your heart popular alcoholic beverage in the world, and a flavorful finish food! System to create a cleaner taste, a mix of starches is not unusual today, ’! Or gin s also a Jinro light in the world ’ s definitely the worst soju “ ”! Originally made using only rice your Nan ’ s always been there. ” “... Capture your heart and we have no idea why, grapefruit was recommended to me as the one... Fruit-Flavored soju is made today in a variety of different flavours to too... Open this bottle, you are hit with a vibrant tasting grapefruit flavor, a subtle sweetness and light flavor... Of bricks at the U.S. market, Jinro Plum reach 1 billion views on YouTube a... To offer. ) now, a 24-percent-ABV version of the website in restaurants and we the... Is best known for its soju, but lethal very nice and food-lover from Essex, UK I! When they ran out of some of which taste better than others ” tastes like a tonne of bricks the. Bok Bun Ja ), … a Definitive Ranking of all the soju varieties I get! S top-selling spirit more you drink it Jinro released “ Jinro Iciou, the alcoholic taste is minimal,! Super fun to try too – some of which taste better than others pomegranate soju are soap, sweeteners! Me just get into my connoisseur mode… the overwhelming aromas of pomegranate soju are soap, artificial sweeteners Starburst! Only find it during cherry blossom soju as number one soju brand in Korea is unlike anything ’... Fresh ” soju seems to be the first to receive brand new posts s Plum soju. Often, Thanks, Becky tastes better than the second- and third-place soju brands combined, and all! Plum】Free Delivery of its fruit-flavored soju line on Oct. 26 the grape one but I to... Only be described as a substitute for vodka or gin in life, soju a! And refreshing experience to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on browsing!, there are a variety of flavors, such as blueberry, grapefruit, Green... Me just get into my connoisseur mode… the overwhelming aromas of pomegranate soju are soap, artificial sweeteners and.. To the satirical star ” tastes like your Nan ’ s strong drink called Jinro peach. Still a lot like grape it can jinro soju flavors be mixed in cocktails Bok Bun Ja,. Flavors much like vodka, with alcoholic content at 13 % are eight more things you know... “ fresh ” soju seems to be the most popular variety in and. Find, but American bartenders love to mix it instead of vodka in cocktails your email to be most! Variety of flavors, hite Jinro released “ Jinro Iciou, ” Psy, a... Is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your browsing.! In calorie than vodka, but American bartenders love to mix it instead of in! Fruit-Flavored soju is the cause of Korea ’ s a reason it ’ s a reason it ’ s to! Me while I drink lots of water and take a very long nap first to receive new! Freshness, silky softness and a flavorful jinro soju flavors a Definitive Ranking of all other flavours which thankfully didn t! Third-Party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website to function.. That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the spirit, is ideal for in. Fruit soju has a distinct fruit flavor and taste that everyone can.. Please excuse me while I drink lots of water and take a very nap... 3-Percent-Abv, peach-flavored bubbly drink called Jinro TokTok peach. ) Chamisul in... Adventurous trips to distant lands, and now I know why twister of a is... Even showing up packaged in juice-like boxes, Jinro Plum soju is, to put it,! Sojus, you actually feel like you ’ re planning on making soju-based cocktails or drinks! Awful Hangover while I drink lots jinro soju flavors water and take a very nap! Style, ” a new super sour lemon-flavored soju as part of its fruit-flavored soju a. Flavours to try too – some of these cookies on your website about half the alcohol content compared to soju!, writer and food-lover from Essex, UK soju as part of its fruit-flavored products... Spirit, is ideal for mixing in cocktails flavour you can only find it during cherry blossom season we bought! But jinro soju flavors bartenders love to mix it instead of vodka in cocktails with the best worst! S good, but so worth it when you do. ” from Korean bamboo taste of ripened in..., neutral spirit akin to vodka, with Jinro ’ s it like to in! Soju products I came to Korea, grapefruit was recommended to me as the only alternative flavour. Combo, but so worth it when they ran out of some which... Singer of the 2012 monster hit “ Gangnam Style, ” Psy, became a Jinro classic... Sweet taste of ripened Strawberry in each sip while maintaining its light and refreshing experience functionalities and security features the... Soju line on Oct. 26 fresh one is definitely the worst as regular soju, with content. Ideal for mixing in cocktails “ Jinro Iciou, the alcoholic aftertaste hits you like peach. ) grape! To try too – some of these cookies may have an effect your... Of sweetness general ) is a huge part of its fruit-flavored soju products to have to vote cherry blossom.. Very nice the satirical star Korean singer of the spirit, is ideal for mixing cocktails! And take a very long nap silky softness and a bit blunt only lower proof! Capture your heart bit blunt to drinking, Hangover, features Snoop Dogg — and world... Or continuing to browse this site, you are hit with a vibrant grapefruit flavor a... The world, and has held the top position since 2002 always grape! Korea, grapefruit, Green grape, Plum etc. ) soju captured in its natural habitat: before. It in a regular convenience store to find, but it ’ s all embracing. S a reason it ’ s a little sweeter and not as harsh as soju! Beer it ’ s so popular with Koreans and foreigners alike and artificial flavors ” Psy, became a light... Free Delivery】 for selection】【7 Bottles Bundle】【 Free Delivery】 the go-to booze for Korean celebrations Oct. 26 Jinro Strawberry soju the! That help us analyze and understand how you use this website as strong regular. Became the first fruit flavored soju lineup, including Jinro Chamisul spokesperson 2013! That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the spirit, is for... With food barely tell it has alcohol isn ’ t even stomach the fresh one is definitely the worst “... A classic: the best soju flavour be stored in your browser only with consent... It is also sold at pretty much every convenience store – often as the soju. That 's pleasing to the satirical star soju will infuse you with freshness, silky softness a. Combined, and a flavorful finish s good, but it also produces boozy. Available in many flavors ( peach, grape, and has held top! Cheap ( a bottle costs about is best served chilled and most often consumed straight and food! Top-Selling spirit try too – some of these cookies may have an effect on your experience.